Form guide: Leicester

By Richard Evans

5:29PM GMT 07 Jan 2002

1.20 The application of a tongue tie to help the breathing of Asparagus did the trick when he made all the running at Uttoxeter in November but, along with Towcester winner General, he will find it tougher under a penalty. Cybele Eria has not raced for a year after showing reasonable novice form in two races at Newbury and Folkestone, but two newcomers are of most interest. Chem's Truce was rated in the mid-80s on the Flat but JAYBEJAY, a seven-time winner in New Zealand who is now with Martin Pipe, gets the nod.

1.50 After schooling well at home, Master Tern has jumped moderately in two novice chases but would win this if the experience has brought about improvement. S'Assagir is without the visor in which he beat Ashbury Star in the mud at Plumpton. IBIS ROCHELAIS showed useful hurdle form last year and has always looked as though he would make a better chaser. Soeur Fontenail has shown improved form since moving from France and gets all the allowances.

2.20WELDUNFRANK ran respectably from 6lb out of the handicap in a better race behind Silk Trader over course and distance last time and a reproduction of that effort would give him every chance in this awful race. Narrogin looks to need further than the minimum trip. The Brewer has been running in better company and, along with Hotspur Street, would have claims if putting his best foot forward.

2.50Creon looks appealing judged on his improved hurdles form of last season but he disappointed in three starts over fences in Ireland during the autumn. Recent winner Fiolino has something to learn about jumping and will be tested by these stiffer fences. Unlimited Free has been well supported on both starts over fences but preference is for ORSWELL CREST, whose stamina was stretched when second to Mattan at Newton Abbot in November.

3.20Polar Champ's best form is vastly superior to that of his rivals but he prefers quicker ground, and Darakshan, who likes stiff, right-handed tracks, saw him off easily enough in the Towcester mud three weeks ago. SUPERIOR RISK has suffered leg problems but has a good strike-rate and reverted successfully to hurdles at Haydock five weeks ago. He loves soft ground and a repeat of the form he showed when beating Profluent would suffice.

3.50Canadiane finished just ahead of Never Can Tell when third to Majlis at Taunton and has the ability to land this but he is not the easiest of rides and will test the skills of Jockey Club PRO John Maxse. SMUDGER SMITH made all the running to win two juvenile hurdles last season and has been running in decent company every since. He has shown little in two C-class handicaps this term but this represents a considerable drop in class and he is partnered by a useful amateur rider. Ludere won a Taunton seller before recording an even better effort when fourth to Orsuno at Chepstow.